Ford will use a new, all-aluminum V6 engine for the base Ford Mustang, which Ford says will be more powerful than the previous unit, but should also provide better fuel economy.
The company will use a 3.7-litre, 24-valve Duratec engine that produces 305hp and up to 380 ft-lb of torque. This is a massive improvement over the 2010 model, which has a 4.0-litre V6 producing 210hp.
Ford will mate the engine to a six-speed manual gearbox and short-throw shifter, with a hill-assist automatic transmission also available.
Furthermore, a cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the engine its free-breathing style with a 7000rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.
“This car marks a new type of Mustang,” said Mustang engineer chief David Pericak. “We’re using a high-performance quad-cam V6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that’s become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it’s really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever.”
Hype surround the automatic’s fuel economy figure - 30mpg on the highway, a 25% gain over the outgoing model. Further reducing fuel consumption is an electronic steering system and minor aerodynamic improvements such as the new front fascia, tyre spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal.
The 2011 Mustang has also received several enhancements to its chassis, including revised damper tuning and spring rates, a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar bushings.
Inside, the changes include some additional soundproofing and new door seals, plus an upgraded instrument cluster, including a 160mph speedometer and 8000 pm tach. Ford’s MyKey system will be offered on the Mustang for the first time for 2011, along with a garage-door opener, message center, and new blind-spot aids for the mirrors.
